Hasselberg part of governor's trade mission to Germany, Sweden and Norway

June 10, 2013

John Hasselberg, associate professor global business leadership at CSB and SJU

John Hasselberg, associate professor of global business leadership at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, is part of a delegation of 35 business executives, government officials and higher education leaders who will accompany Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on a trade mission to Germany, Sweden and Norway June 12-21.

The group will visit key business centers in Berlin, Dusseldorf/Cologne, Oslo and Stockholm, meet with business leaders and government officials and participate in networking events and other activities.

"I am honored and excited to represent CSB and SJU on this trade mission," Hasselberg said. "Having crafted our new global business leadership course, 'Business in Europe,' recently ratified by the Curriculum Committee, participating in this trade mission is a timely next step."

Hasselberg said he hopes to emphasize CSB's and SJU's German cultural heritage and expand ties with German organizations.

"I look forward using this trade mission to work to build relationships between CSB and SJU and German organizations, to create opportunities for students to gain experience on-site in Germany and to open doors for more students from Germany to attend CSB and SJU," Hasselberg said.

Germany and Scandinavia are key export markets for Minnesota, generating over $1 billion in annual export sales for state companies. Germany was the state's fifth-largest export market last year, with $728 million in sales. Minnesota exports to Sweden and Norway totaled $142 million and $46 million, respectively.

Germany's $1.4 billion in total foreign direct investment in Minnesota ranks first among European countries. Geringhoff, a German-based farm implement manufacturer, is investing $20 million in its first North American factory in St. Cloud.

Representatives from St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas and St. Cloud Technical and Community College are also part of the trade mission.